OC CATHOLIC - JULY 09, 2023

JULY 9, 2023

DEE EVELO, CALLED TO CARE

PAGE 8

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ORANGE ■ OCCATHOLIC.COM

ALL IN THE FAMILY TRACIE AND BRIAN SULLIVAN ARE PICTURED WITH THEIR SON MICHAEL SULLIVAN, HIS WIFE LINDSAY, AND THEIR BABY DANIELLE SAMANTHA SULLIVAN, AT ST. JOHN VIANNEY CHAPEL ON BALBOA ISLAND. PHOTO BY RENNE ENRIQUEZ/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

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JULY 9, 2023

CONTENTS

7 LIVING IN THE PRESENT MOMENT

Summer is an opportunity to reflect on how we spend our time.

12 LIVING LIFE TO ITS FULLEST

St. Vincent de Paul parishioner Dan Orozco is enjoying retirement following a life shaped by faith.

14 AROUND OUR DIOCESE

New deacons, a eucharistic pilgrimage and the final concert of the Year of Hazel series.

ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC MISSION STATEMENT The Orange County Catholic Newspaper seeks to illuminate and animate the journey of faith for Catholics within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange – building solidarity among the faithful and inviting a deeper understanding and involvement in the mission of Christ – through the timely sharing of news, commentary and feature content in an engaging, accessible and compelling format.

ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC

The Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange Diocese of Orange Pastoral Center, 13280 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove 92840 Publisher: The Most Reverend Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of Orange Executive Editor: Monsignor Stephen Doktorczyk Editor: Patricia Mahoney, editor@occatholic.com News Ideas: editor@occatholic.com Delivery Problems: occatholicsupport@occatholic.com

ADVERTISING Director of Custom Content: Caroline Wong, cawong@scng.com

SCNG CUSTOM CONTENT Managing Editor: Caitlin Adams

Art Director: Ryann Beveridge

Delivered weekly to parishes and homes throughout Orange County, Calif., Orange County Catholic is published by SCNG Custom Content, a division of Southern California News Group that offers content development and design expertise to businesses and nonprofit institutions. The Orange County Catholic editorial staff and editorial council are responsible for the content contained herein. Events and products advertised in Orange County Catholic do not carry the implicit endorsement of the Diocese of Orange or SCNG Custom Content.

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DIOCESAN NEWS

MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO TO OFFER THEATRE UNDER THE STARS

BY LOU PONSI

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PARTNERSHIP FORGED two years ago out of necessity between two established Orange County nonprofits, both heralded for the quality of their offerings, created a new and unique entertainment experience.

When the musical “La Havana Madrid” opens in the central courtyard of Mission San Juan Capistrano on July 15, it will mark the third consecutive year the Mission has joined with South Coast Repertory (SCR) for live theater under the stars.

“La Havana Madrid” celebrates Chicago’s legendary nightclub of the same name, where newly arriving Latino immigrants dined, danced and found community during the 1960s amid the joyous

rhythms of salsa and mambo.

The recipient of numerous high-level honors, including a Pulitzer Prize for Drama and multiple awards for playwriting, Costa Mesa-based SCR has been producing live theatre at its multi-theatre complex for 60 years.

Known as the “Jewel of the California Missions,” Mission San Juan Capistrano (SJC) draws 300,000 visitors annually, is home to the state’s oldest Catholic chapel and has served the Catholic community for nearly 250 years.

Dubbed “Outside SCR,” the partnership between the two cultural icons formed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, when SCR creative director David Ivers recalled CONTINUES ON PAGE 13

THE STAGE IS SET AT MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO FOR THE UPCOMING MUSICAL “LA HAVA­NA MADRID” WHICH OPENS IN THE CENTRAL COURTYARD ON JULY 15. PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

The Diocese of Orange, through OC Catholic newspaper, presents local, national and world news about the Catholic Church.

Our intention is to give our readers access to a variety of perspectives in order to help them to process the information within the framework of our Catholic faith, but also to better understand the perspectives of those with opposing viewpoints. We hope that ultimately our readers will be better equipped to have constructive conversations that further the growth of the Catholic Church.

ST. JOHN’S SEMINARY CAMARILLO, CALIFORNIA

ST. JOHN’S SEMINARY NOW OFFERS AN ONLINE M.A. IN PASTORAL MINISTRY PROGRAM FOR THE LAITY This program will help lay ministers increase their knowledge of the Catholic intellectual tradition and improve their ministerial skills for the life of the Church.

Students will be prepared to work in different areas of ministry and make professional and personal connections with others of the same mind and spirit.

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For more information Email: mapm@stjohnsem.edu or visit www.stjohnsem.edu

O C C A T H O L I C ■ J U L Y 9, 2 0 2 3

Watch a brief video about the program

A studio with professional video, audio, and lighting equipment has been built to produce visually stunning content by our world-class faculty. This studio allows our students to have an enjoyable technological experience.

DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

ART ON CAMPUS

“

God doesn’t want to destroy us; he wants us to be stronger and better people each day — Pope Francis

SAINT PROFILE

”

AUGUSTINE ZHAO RONG AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS OF CHINA

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HE 120 MARTYRS of China were canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000. They were killed by various Chinese dynasties over a 400-year period. The group consists of 87 Chinese converts and 33 foreign missionaries, mainly European; they were bishops, priests, seminarians, lay men and women, and children. Augustine Zhao Rong is honored by name because he was the first Chinese diocesan priest to be executed. As a soldier, he had guarded a Catholic bishop held prisoner, and was so moved by the bishop’s demeanor that he became a Christian and a priest. He died in 1815 after being tortured. At their canonization, the pope said the martyrs had “a state of mind marked by deep serenity and joy.”

C

RUX GEMMATA AND BALDACHIN. Donors: Dennis and Lynne Jilot. The 1,000-pound steel crucifix of Christ Cathedral was designed by Brother William Woeger, FSC, and Monsignor Arthur Holquin of the Diocese of Orange and was made in Omaha, Nebraska. It hangs 18 feet above the altar from a canopy and features the Alpha and Omega symbols as well as semi-precious stones. Photo by the Diocese of Orange C

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

GN 28:10-22A; PS 91:1-2, 3-4, 1415AB; MT 9:18-26

GN 32:23-33; PS 17:1B, 2-3, 6-7AB, 8B AND 15; MT 9:32-38

GN 41:55-57; 42:5-7A, 17-24A; PS 33:2-3, 10-11, 18-19; MT 10:1-7

GN 44:18-21, 23B-29; 45:1-5; PS 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21; MT 10:7-15

GN 46:1-7, 28-30; PS 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40; MT 10:16-23

GN 49:29-32; 50:15-26A; PS 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7; MT 10:24-33

IS 55:10-11; PS 65:10, 11, 12-13, 14; ROM 8:18-23; MT 13:1-23

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FEATURE

ALL IN THE FAMILY FIVE GENERATIONS OF TRACIE SULLIVAN’S CLAN HAVE CELEBRATED MASSES AND SACRAMENTS AT ST. JOHN VIANNEY CHAPEL SINCE ITS OPENING ON BALBOA ISLAND MORE THAN 80 YEARS AGO

BY GREG HARDESTY

When Tracie Sullivan and her husband, Brian, had their second child in 1986, they were living in Philadelphia because of work.

That didn’t stop them from having their infant daughter, Katie, baptized at St. John Vianney Chapel on Balboa Island in Newport Beach – some 2,700 miles away.

Tracie’s family’s roots run all the way back to the time before the opening of the chapel in 1941, largely to accommodate vacationers who didn’t want to drive to the Balboa Peninsula to attend Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the only other Catholic Church at the time in the Newport Harbor area.

Tracie’s grandfather, contractor James Barrett, and his wife, Susan, both transplants from the Midwest, helped raise money for the building of the chapel, at 314 Marine Ave. James was an usher, and Susan helped clean the chapel on Saturdays.

On May 7, 2023, Tracie and Brian attended the baptism of their granddaughter, Danielle, at St. John Vianney – marking five generations of Tracie’s family that have regularly attended or received a Sacrament at the chapel: her grandparents, her parents, herself, her children, and now a grandchild.

“What’s special to me is not only my family history at the chapel – it’s just a very spiritual place,” Tracie said. “I feel a lot of love when I’m there and I feel I can connect with my late parents and grandparents.

“I feel they’re looking down on us and helping us to continue being good Catholics and that they’re in spirit with us as we pray.”

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O C C A T H O L I C ■ J U L Y 9, 2 0 2 3

‘OLD BEACH FEELING’

Back in 1991, in an interview with the LA Times for a story on the 50th anniversary of the chapel, which is affiliated with Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish, Mary Barrett Blake – Tracie’s mother – said many of the parishioners during the war years arrived on Balboa Island by boat for Sunday service to save gasoline during rationing.

“You could actually come to Mass in a boat,” Mary told the Times. “And the

ST. JOHN VIANNEY CHAPEL, BALBOA ISLAND. PHOTO BY RENNE ENRIQUEZ/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

TRACIE AND BRIAN SULLIVAN ON THEIR WEDDING DAY AT ST. JOHN VIANNEY CHAPEL ON JULY 3, 1982.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TRACIE SULLIVAN

TRACIE AND BRIAN SULLIVAN ARE PICTURED INSIDE ST. JOHN VIANNEY CHAPEL ON JULY 29.

PHOTO BY RENNE ENRIQUEZ/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

people who come here have been coming for generations because it still retains the charm and the history of the beach. People still come from all over, not just the island.

“It’s always retained that wonderful old beach feeling. You can go to Mass in jeans and shorts in the summertime.”

When Mary later moved to Irvine, she kept the family tradition of attending services at St. John Vianney, becoming a daily communicant.

Mary’s older sister, Georgann, got mar-

ried at the chapel in 1945 – one of the first brides to do so. Their brother, John, also got married there.

So did Tracie, in 1982.

“There were about 120 people there,” Tracie recalled. “We filled the chapel. It was just lovely.”

Tracie and Brian, who live in Dana Point but still attend Masses at the chapel often, celebrated 41 years of marriage on July 3, 2023.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 7

MICHAEL AND LINDSAY SULLIVAN HOLD THEIR DAUGHTER DANIELLE SAMANTHA INSIDE ST. JOHN VIANNEY CHAPEL ON BALBOA ISLAND. PHOTO BY RENNE ENRIQUEZ/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

FEATURE / CATHOLIC FAMILY LIVING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

LIVING IN THE PRESENT MOMENT

BY JOAN PATTEN, AO, DELEGATE FOR CONSECRATED LIFE

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“ TRACIE SULLIVAN’S AUNT GEORGANN AND HER HUSBAND FREDERIC PERELLI-MINETTI ON THEIR WEDDING DAY AT ST. JOHN VIANNEY CHAPEL IN 1945. PHOTO COURTESY OF TRACIE SULLIVAN

Tracie’s sister, Kathrine, also wed at St. John Vianney Chapel.

There have been family funerals there too, of course.

“We’ve kind of gone full circle there,” Tracie said.

TIES TO DEACON

Deacon Patrick Bartolic was the celebrant at Danielle’s baptism. He and his wife, Monica, were very close to Tracie’s late mother, Mary.

“My mom spoke to Patrick a lot when he was considering becoming a deacon,” Tracie said, “and she encouraged him to do so.”

This Easter Sunday, Deacon Patrick had a couple generations of his family represented. In the front pew sat his 96-year-old father and three of his sisters.

“Just another example,” Tracie said, “of how generations of families continue to go to and participate in events at the chapel.”

The tradition certainly will continue. Danielle’s father, Michael Sullivan, for one, will see to that.

“It was important to me to have Danielle baptized at the chapel because of our family’s long history with it,” he said. “I wanted to continue that spiritual tradition.” C

LL TIME BELONGS TO HIM; and all the ages.”

These words from the blessing of the Paschal candle during the Easter Vigil are still resonating in me as we enter these slower-paced days of summer. If all time belongs to God, why do we feel as if we never have enough time to do everything? Why are we always running from one thing to the next?

When there is finally a reprieve, why do we feel so restless, turning to something for distraction or entertainment?

Whether we have a lazy or busy summer ahead of us, it’s good to pause and examine not just how we live, but more importantly, where we live. There’s only one place in this world where we can meet God and that is the Present.

In “The Screwtape Letters,” C.S. Lewis portrays a senior demon coaching a junior demon in the art of coercing a soul with various tactics and temptations. If we do not want to be overcome in this spiritual battle for our souls, we must first acknowledge that we are in such a battle, and second, be on guard against the known tactics of the enemy of our souls. Lewis highlights the demon’s strategy in which they try to get us away from living in the present moment. Instead, we are tempted to dwell in the Past, beating ourselves up with guilt and looking back with wishful thinking that, “things aren’t like they used to be.”

This particular tactic of the enemy seems fairly identifiable in our lives. However, the enemy often tends to use an alternative proposal to sway us from the present and get us to live in the Future.

When we attempt to live in the Future, which is not actually possible since it has not happened yet, we will quickly succumb to anxiety and to a host of vices that take us out of relationship with God

PHOTO BY SAPAN PATEL

and others.

We can combat these temptations by striving to grow in virtue. The Past offers us valuable wisdom from which we can glean knowledge. This requires humility to admit that we are in need of such wisdom and courage to admit our past failures.

Ultimately, the Past is looked at with gratitude for the gifts received and the wisdom that is gained.

Lewis advises that God wants us to think of the Future in so much as we are required to so that we may respond to the needs of the Present. Planning acts of charity or justice are duties that can only be carried out in the Present. Lewis also cautions against giving the Future our hearts because it is not a place to rest our hope. The constant anxiety of this present age is perpetuated by our need to control the Future while escaping from the Present. Exercising the theological virtue of hope elevates our view of the

Future into Eternity.

How do we as Christians avoid simply existing in the Present? Lewis offers this point: that while we live in time, God has destined us for Eternity. Eternity is not limitless time because God has no beginning or end. He is the Alpha and Omega.

Time is measured by progress, moment by moment. God is unchanging because He is. God who sustains all things, Who sees all of time and history in one glance, desires to meet us in the reality of the Present. “For the Present is the point at which time touches eternity,” notes Lewis.

It is crucial to live in the Present because it is the only place we can receive the eternal love of God in this world. Practice being present to God who is always present to us by adoring Jesus in the Real Presence of the Eucharist. Put down the phones and make eye contact with those who are before us. Finally, ask for the grace to be more attentive to the presence of God and others, knowing that Eternity is opening to us here and now. C J U L Y 9, 2 0 2 3 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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FEATURE

DEE EVELO, CALLED TO CARE

home have been severely neglected and the Evelos have become accustomed to teaching such basic living skills as making a bed, preparing a meal and doing laundry.

With a constantly changing family dynamic, personality clashes sometimes occur.

BY LOU PONSI “You are putting a lot of personalities together, and sometimes it is like N APRIL, DEE EVELO was among oil and water,” Dee said. “They need to 22 women recognized at the Inspilearn how to get along, so you have the rational Catholic Women Servants consequences or the rewards for talking for Christ Benefit Dinner at the it out.”

Arboretum on the Christ Cathedral camThe Evelos have also had to deal with pus. The awards went to volunteers from the courts and open up their home to throughout Orange County whose sersocial workers and officials from various vice has helped to advance the Church’s agencies checking on the welfare of the mission to assist people in need. children, so privacy is almost nonexisDee and her husband Gary Evelo, tent. longtime parishioners at San Antonio Over time, they’ve also experienced de Padua Catholic Church in Anaheim some epiphanies.

Hills, believe they were called upon by Early on, for example, they figured all God to care for his most precious and these kids need is a mother and father oftentimes most vulnerable creations, a and a stable home life and they’ll be fine. calling the couple has embraced faithfulHowever, once it became apparent ly for the past 25 years. that many of these children experience During that time, the Evelos have trauma from not being with their birth fostered 49 children and adopted 12, in parents, the couple has come to underaddition to raising four children of their stand that therapy and outside help is own. sometimes needed.

Between their adopted children and “They grow up with separation issues the those being fostered, the Evelos that have to be addressed,” Gary said. currently have 16 children living under “That is one thing that Dee is really, rethe roof of their five-bedroom, two-and- ally good at is advocating for these kids a-half bath Anaheim Hills home. to get the help they need. But that was a They range in age from under a year learned thing.” old to 17 years old.

For families who are considering “It keeps you young,” Dee said. “We’re fostering, the Evelos want them to know never lonely.” that the challenges often become blessOf course, there are challenges, some ings. as minor as settling squabbles between “To know what the kids came from teenagers, and others requiring a much and to watch them blossom in the stabilgreater degree of attention. ity … Some of them were living in cars, “It’s definitely a calling,” Gary said of not going to school,” Dee said. “Now the commitment. “It took us a while to they know where they lay their head understand that is what it was, but we every night.” followed that.”

Another joy is watching the children Imagine getting such a large brood fed grow and mature over time, Gary said, and off to school every morning or what especially those who needed extra help. bath time is like.

“Now that we know what support we CONTINUES ON PAGE 9 In some cases, children entering their

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O C C A T H O L I C ■ J U L Y 9, 2 0 2 3

GARY AND DEE EVELO ARE PICTURED AT THEIR ANAHEIM HILLS HOME DISCUSSING THEIR LONG HISTORY OF ADOPTING AND FOSTERING CHILDREN. PHOTOS BY STEVE GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

A YOUNG CHILD PLAYS WITH TOY CARS AS GARY EVELO SITS NEARBY.

FEATURE

DEE AND GARY EVELO, PICTURED IN THEIR ANAHEIM HILLS BACKYARD, ARE CURRENTLY RAISING 16 ADOPTED AND FOSTERED CHILDREN. PHOTO BY STEVE GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

need to give them and getting it early on and seeing this change and how they blossom,” Gary said. “It invigorates you.”

The Evelos work hard on fostering a tight family dynamic, giving individualized attention to each child and encouraging their input.

Every time they consider bringing in a new foster child, the Evelos always hold a family meeting to share and discuss

feelings.

One of the Evelos’ adopted children, Lexi, has been part of the family since she was a newborn.

“I think we have a really good family,” Lexi said. “It’s fun having so many kids.

It’s entertaining. Sometimes it is sad because you get attached to them and then they leave.”

Even with four children of their own, Gary and Dee Evelo had always consid-

ered becoming foster parents, but were not yet 100 percent committed to the idea.

Then, as Dee described it, God helped the Evelos take the final leap of faith.

The first nudge from God presented itself as an article promoting a foster parent weekend that appeared on the front page of the Sunday newspaper.

Next came a visit to the swap-meet

where the first booth Dee noticed belonged to a foster care agency with a sign that read: “Foster parents needed.”

That same weekend, the Evelos attended a church function that was being hosted by a foster family.

“At that point, that was three things in one weekend,” Dee said. “I figured I was being hit over the head by God. So, we sat down with that foster care agency and away it went. C J U L Y 9, 2 0 2 3 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Cross Catholic Outreach Combats Extreme Hunger in Developing Countries With Vitafood Cross Catholic Outreach, a trusted Catholic ministry based in Florida, has mobilized donors throughout the U.S. to help it relieve extreme hunger in the developing world through a wonderful food resource known as Vitafood.

These fortified meal packets are scientifically formulated to energize and strengthen malnourished children and families. Volunteers from U.S. Catholic parishes, schools and groups can package the meals, which are then loaded into large shipping containers and sent overseas to schools, orphanages and other Catholic partners serving the poor. A single container can make a life-transforming impact, keeping crucial feeding programs running or providing immediate relief when disasters strike.

“We organize food packing events in the U.S. to assemble the ingredients into portioned meal packets. But at this stage, we are looking for donors to help us ship this food to Catholic missions around the world.

[See feature story on opposite page.] For that, we need monetary donations to cover global shipping costs,” explained Jim Cavnar, CEO of Cross Catholic Outreach. “Church leaders in developing countries are eager to help the poor in their communities, but they need this food to succeed. Vitafood shipments are critical to them. And in some cases, the meals can save lives.”

According to Cavnar, Vitafood is an extremely flexible resource. It comes in several different varieties and can be prepared

with additional spices or ingredients to suit local tastes. Its impact is incredible with the optimal balance of vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, fat and carbohydrates for a hungry child’s body. This tried-and-tested formula is suitable for more than just severely malnourished children. These meals are also important to the health and physical wellbeing of children and adults who are healthy but at risk of becoming malnourished.

What’s more, because donations and volunteers supply the Vitafood packets at little or no expense, Cross Catholic Outreach is able to keep costs low. This means that for every dollar donated, about six nutritious meals can be sent to families in need!

“Very few donations a person can make will achieve this much bang for the buck,” Cavnar pointed out.

In the past year, global inflation and the impact of Russia’s war on Ukraine have made this outreach even more important to the poor, according to Cavnar.

“Food shortages and inflation have definitely increased the risks of malnutrition, so our goal is to support Church leaders as they work to protect those most at risk,” he said. “As I see it, this is our opportunity to be a blessed instrument of mercy. It is our chance to further the work of the dedicated priests, nuns and Catholic lay missionaries who are doing everything they can to respond to this threat.”

Readers interested in supporting Cross Catholic Outreach food programs and other outreaches can contribute through

Cross Catholic Outreach’s Vitafood packets are easily shipped, can be safely stored, and provide a very versatile food source for Catholic ministries. Some serve them as formulated, while others supplement them with local produce, meats and spices. the ministry brochure inserted in this issue or send tax-deductible gifts to: Cross Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC02532, PO Box 97168, Washington, D.C 20090-7168.

The ministry needs partners willing to

make gifts on a monthly basis. You can use the inserted brochure to become a Cross Mission Partner, or write “Monthly Mission Partner” on mailed checks to be contacted about setting up those arrangements.

Cross Catholic Outreach’s “Day of Prayer” Blesses Catholics Spiritually Each year, one of the nation’s leading international relief and development ministries sets aside a special day to offer prayer as a gift to those in need — particularly to Catholics in America who have been supporting its work overseas. It is yet another sign of the organization’s deeply spiritual approach to charity.

“Since our inception, we have always set aside a day of the week to pray for those who have shared their intentions, and those requests have typically come to us through

the many priests who visit U.S. parishes to share about our mission during the homily of the Mass,” explained Jim Cavnar, president of Cross Catholic Outreach. “The Day of Prayer we celebrate in August is a full day dedicated to prayer for others, and it also includes a wonderful additional blessing. The intentions we gather during that time are sent to His Eminence Cardinal Peter Turkson at the Vatican, and he prays over them at a special Mass on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.”

Individuals interested in participating in the Day of Prayer are encouraged to use the ministry’s special Internet page to submit their prayer intentions. It is found at CrossCatholic. org/day-of-prayer.

“While Cross Catholic Outreach is best known for the many things it does to support Church missions serving the poor — delivering shipments of food and medicines, funding educational and house-building initiatives, and developing self-help projects that allow people to escape poverty — we are very intentional

about serving the poor spiritually as well,” Cavnar said. “That is not always the case with charities, even religious ones, but we believe communicating the Gospel of Christ and promoting the means of grace — including prayer — must be part of our relief and development mission.”

“This approach is also in keeping with the points made in the Papal Encyclical, Deus Caritas Est,” he added. “It very clearly states that those of us who become involved in works of mercy must also be people of prayer.”

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

U.S. Catholics Play a Major Role in Addressing Chronic Hunger in ‘Forgotten’ Nicaraguan Communities Driving on the paved Pan-American Highway, you may never notice the lifethreatening poverty Cross Catholic Outreach is trying to address. To see it, you would need to venture off the main road and go down one of the dirt paths that extend into the rural countryside.

“Travel one of those dirt roads and, before long, you’ll encounter the signs of Nicaragua’s extreme poverty — the flimsy shacks, the thin children in tattered clothes, the backyard wells infested with bugs, and the lack of electrical infrastructure. The poverty here may be ‘out of sight, out of mind’ to some, but God and his Church are aware of it. It’s our duty as believers to do something about it,” said Jim Cavnar, CEO of Cross Catholic Outreach, a global relief and development ministry working in these impoverished areas.

During the dry season, the small farming villages one passes on the dirt roads seem like throwbacks to the Dust Bowl years in America’s past. The landscape is that desolate. The poverty is that heartbreaking.

But that is where the similarities stop. In Nicaragua, there is no New Deal to rescue families from poverty. Many have been trapped generation after generation.

“Better weather doesn’t provide any solutions either. During rainy periods, the poverty endures. In those seasons, you will find the same impoverished children, but this time with muddy feet and faces,” Cavnar said. “Yes, whatever the time of year, this poverty persists — and there is never enough to eat.”

That, he added, is why supplying nutritious food to Nicaragua’s poor has become a priority for local Church leaders, Cross Catholic Outreach and many U.S. donors. The focus on food is critical, because malnutrition can cause terrible, long-term health problems, especially for children.

“The local men and women work hard, but most are struggling to feed their families with meager earnings,” Cavnar explained.

“As a result, their children are often hungry — some even become malnourished — and that condition can be very dangerous. It puts their sons and daughters at risk of long-term mental and physical ailments, and it also weakens their immune systems, an added risk as we continue to struggle through the impacts of global inflation.”

There is an educational impact as well.

Nicaragua’s poorest families face extreme challenges, such as living in patchwork shacks. Hunger plagues their lives, but there is hope, thanks to Church missions and support provided by Cross Catholic Outreach.

When children reach school age, skipping breakfast becomes common, so they arrive for class with an empty stomach. After hours of studying math and grammar, some have nothing for lunch either. These hungry children struggle to concentrate in school and often fall behind. Worse still, they may be pulled out of school altogether to help support their struggling families. Because future opportunities are being traded for daily meals, these children end up in a desperate situation.

“But there is hope now since the Church is involved and working hard to provide solutions,” Cavnar added. “In many parts of the world, our distribution partners supply food to a vast network of local institutions, including parishes, schools and feeding centers that are fighting hunger in the trenches. These partners know the people and have created programs to deliver the food where it is needed most. With the help of our donors, we are able

to fund food expenses and arrange for food shipments into the country. Working together, we’re having a big impact.” [See feature story on opposite page.]

Cavnar believes even more can be done if U.S. Catholics remain committed to supporting the Church’s efforts financially.

“I’m optimistic my Catholic brothers and

sisters here in the U.S. will be eager to help — now that they understand the hardships hunger creates and the lives that are at stake,” he said. “Large or small, every gift they contribute will matter. That’s because every gift has life-transforming potential, particularly through programs that feed children.”

How to Help To fund Cross Catholic Outreach’s effort to help the poor worldwide, use the postage-paid brochure inserted in this newspaper or mail your gift to Cross Catholic Outreach, Dept.

AC02532, PO Box 97168, Washington, D.C 20090-7168. The brochure also includes instructions on becoming a Mission Partner and making a regular monthly donation to this cause.

If you identify an aid project, 100% of the donation will be restricted to be used for that specific project. However, if more is raised for the project than needed, funds will be redirected to other urgent needs in the ministry.

SCHOOL NEWS

LIVING LIFE TO ITS FULLEST SPOTLIGHT ON DAN OROZCO Society and many others.

BY MIKE ZINN

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HERE HAVE BEEN MANY people and events that have shaped the life of St. Vincent de Paul parishioner Dan Orozco.

Growing up as the oldest of six children in Gardena, Orozco was most influenced by his father.

“My Dad was almost a saint in how he supported the parish,” Orozco said. “He put myself and my five siblings through Catholic schools, from grammar school through high school.”

Orozco developed his love of volunteering and helping others from his dad, who was involved in leadership positions in the Knights of Columbus, Holy Names

“He was doing all of these Christian acts, while no one was watching,” added Orozco.

Orozco attended St. Anthony of Padua elementary school, then Junipero Serra High School. He went on to El Camino Community College in Torrance, where he continued an already successful track career and was named captain of the team. At El Camino, Orozco met Cristine, and they were married in 1975. After his stint at El Camino, Orozco transferred to California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).

While at CSULB, the pastor at Orozco’s childhood parish, St. Anthony of Padua, reached out with a unique opportunity. The pastor wanted him to co-chair the annual parish fiesta. This

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July 30, August 6 and August 13

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request was a pivotal moment in Orozco’s long life of service in management and administration, both corporately and in various parish and community projects.

While in his junior year at CSULB, a family friend contacted Orozco about working part-time during the school year and full-time during the summer months at The Aerospace Corporation, in El Segundo. This event prompted a change in potential career direction, from engineering to business, with a specialty in management.

While at The Aerospace Corporation from 1975 to 1986, he demonstrated a strong work ethic, coupled with a proactive desire to take on new tasks.

Orozco’s professional career led to him being transferred to Washington DC, Northern California and the La Crescenta area. In 2001, his last move brought him south to Orange County and Huntington Beach. Orozco officially retired in 2015. This began a time period where Orozco served as the primary care giver for Cristine, until 2019 when she passed away.

Since his retirement, Orozco has immersed his life into various organizations. At St. Vincent de Paul, Orozco is involved in the Knights of Columbus, where he is a past Grand Knight and chair of the Seminarian Scholarship Program. He also serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, lector and St. Vincent Fiesta chair. He’s also involved in the food and clothing distribution program at St. Bonaventure.

“Dan stands out in a crowd, always cheerful, always in the middle of the action and always a resource of leadership,” said Deacon Jerry Wallace of St. Vincent de Paul. “He never seems concerned about taking credit or avoiding getting dirty. He is one of the first ones you would choose for your team.”

Orozco fully embodies what it means

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DAN OROZCO

to live life to its fullest.

“I want to stay healthy and be able to serve the parish, my community, be active with my family and travel,” he said.

He stays fit by exercising daily, biking, playing pickleball, skiing and competing in Masters Track Meets. Always goal oriented, Orozco would like to return to his pre-COVID involvement by competing in three to four meets per year, as well as national and world Masters events.

He’s also a blood donor, emulating fellow Knight Patrick Earley, who at almost 94 years-old has donated over 1,000 units of blood platelets.

“God has been very good to me,” said Orozco. “I have a wonderful family, good health and the Knights of Columbus to learn from and interact with.” C

DIOCESAN NEWS

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spending many sleepless nights cultivating ways to safely draw theatre goers when inside performances were not taking place.

“A few months in, literally, in the middle of the night, I said I know what we need to do,” Ivers said.

“The first thing was the name, Outside SCR.” The name is meant to be construed in two ways: THE MUSICAL “LA HAVA­NA MADRID” OPENS IN THE CENTRAL COURTYARD performances staged out- OF MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO ON JULY 15. PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE doors, and performances staged at locations away “I knew there had been other perforfrom the theatre. mances at the Mission but what I was really The Mission has been holding events looking for was a contained area, unlike outdoors for years, according to the parks or open spaces,” Ivers said. “Then I Mission’s executive director, Mechelle saw the courtyard and I was overwhelmed Lawrence Adams. by an incredible feeling of home. I could Lawrence Adams is always open to just see it. I loved the idea that we would be offering new programming to bring new in a historic, important space with meanaudiences into the sacred space, but of ing, and we’d be partnering with another utmost importance is hosting performanc- cultural touchstone for our community.” es while preserving the sanctity of the Outside SCR debuted at Mission SCR in Mission.

2021 with performances of “American Ma“First, it has to be family-friendly riachi” and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie programming and educational program- Brown.” ming,” Lawrence Adams said. “We have More than half of the audience memto make sure the programming we give bers who attended the performance of supports the historic and religious signif- “Million Dollar Quarter” in 2022 had never icance of the site.” been to SCR in Costa Mesa, Ivers said.

South Coast Repertory and the Mission Ivers and Lawrence Adams agree that share reputations of maintaining high the partnership has greatly benefited both standards in their service to the public, the institutions. executive director said.

“It is absolutely a synchronistic relation“SCR has an incredible legacy of 60 ship that has allowed us to grow indeyears of being a centerpiece to the theatre pendently and together,” Ivers said. “I feel community of Orange County,” Lawlike we have definitely introduced people rence Adams said. “And we have our to the wonders of the Mission and folks legacy of nearly 250 years. So together, that attend the Mission … The Mission has we have 330 years of doing what we do, exposed those folks to what we do back in and it is a lot of fun, and what we provide Costa Mesa at SCR. to the public should be something that “It’s not just about selling tickets and people really enjoy.” having a good time. It is largely about that, Before visiting the Mission, Ivers visited but it is also about the partnership and who several potential sites suitable for Outside we are together in Orange County and I SCR performances. love that.”

Then he toured the Mission with LawFor more information, visit www.misrence Adams. sionsjc.com/scr C J U L Y 9, 2 0 2 3 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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DIOCESAN PAGE HEADING NEWS

AROUND OUR DIOCESE

For more info on the I AM Congress, visit rcbo.org/congress.

FINAL CONCERT OF THE YEAR OF HAZEL

BY STAFF

DIOCESE OF ORANGE DEACON ORDINATION

The Diocese of Orange welcomed two new deacons on Saturday, June 24 at Christ Cathedral.

Rev. Mr. Cole Buzon was ordained a Transitional Deacon with the anticipation to be ordained a priest next year.

Mr. Michael Betancourt was ordained a Permanent Deacon. He will serve his ministry in Texas.

Please join us in praying for our newly ordained deacons!

“I AM: HERE” EUCHARISTIC PILGRIMAGE

High school students from across Orange County gathered for the second “I AM: HERE” Eucharistic pilgrimage on June 25. The procession began at St. Mary’s in Fullerton, stopped at St. Juli-

DEACON MICHAEL BETANCOURT AND DEACON COLE BUZON. PHOTO BY RENNE ENRIQUEZ/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

ana’s church in Fullerton then concluded at St. Angela Merici in Brea.

It was an effort to bring Jesus to those around them and build anticipation for the upcoming “I AM” Eucharistic Con-

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM ACROSS ORANGE COUNTY GATHERED FOR THE SECOND “I AM: HERE” EUCHARISTIC PILGRIMAGE ON JUNE 25. COURTESY PHOTO

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O C C A T H O L I C ■ J U L Y 9, 2 0 2 3

On June 20, more than 1,500 came to Christ Cathedral for the final concert of the Year of Hazel, a celebration of the restored Hazel Wright Organ.

The concert featured the Pacific Symphony, Pacific Chorale and Grammy Award-winning organist Paul Jacobs. A highlight was the premiere of “Fiat Lux”

by Scottish composer James MacMillan with text by California poet Dana Gioia, whose lyrics refer to Christ Cathedral.

The Year of Hazel was a collaborative effort of the Christ Cathedral music ministry, The Orange Catholic Foundation, the Office of the Bishop, the Office of Communications, many generous donors and other stakeholders.

Bishop Vann, who grew up playing the organ, prioritized the restoration of the Hazel Wright Organ soon after the Diocese purchased the Crystal Cathedral campus in 2012. The $3-million effort took nearly a decade and involved sending many of the organ’s 17,000 pipes back to Italy for refurbishment. To learn more about the restoration and Hazel’s history, check out the award-winning special edition of OC Catholic. C

gress on the Christ Cathedral campus this October.

Several clergy helped lead the procession, including Deacon Cole Buzon, who was ordained a transitional deacon the day before. Participants processed through the streets, passing by houses, cars, bars and families. They prayed as they walked, stopping to offer blessings to those they encountered.

The “I AM: HERE” Eucharistic pilgrimages are a collaborative effort between the Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry and parishes in the Diocese. They are an opportunity for young people to come together to share their love for Jesus to those around them by processing through the streets of Orange County.

For more information on the next pilgrimages for our high schoolers, THE FINAL CONCERT FOR THE YEAR OF HAZEL FEATURED THE PACIFIC please email lschuberg@ SYMPHONY, PACIFIC CHORALE AND GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING ORGANIST PAUL JACOBS. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE rcbo.org.

OC Catholic Afar

Evie-Mae Mahoney catches up on diocesan news while out on the Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts, onboard the famous Boston Duck Tours.

—Submitted by Patty Mahoney, Editor of OC Catholic

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J U L Y 9, 2 0 2 3 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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Send travel pictures of yourself, family or friends to editor@occatholic.com. Photos from any destination — like a church, a hiking trail or a cruise — are welcome! Please include a brief description of the photo, location, the name of the people featured in the photo and your home parish in Orange County. Your photo must include someone holding an issue of OC Catholic to be entered to win.

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